Five month update

Side View

Front View

As you can see, I have experienced substantial growth in the "baby belly" region over the past month.  Actually, much of this has happened over the past two weeks.  I've gone from looking like I was overeating during the holidays to actually looking like I'm having a baby.  I've told all my mental health co-workers but I haven't told many of the hospital staff and I keep getting funny looks these days as they check out my tummy and see its new size.  I sometimes find it a bit awkward to discuss my pregnancy so I haven't said much about it but I am honest when anyone asks me if I am pregnant.  

As for new developments this month, the change in the belly size is the biggest one.  I haven't had many headaches lately but I am currently experiencing difficulty sleeping.  I think that my stomach is stretching out and my sides are often quite sore, especially when I am trying to sleep. The baby continues to move around quite a bit but the kicks are less distinctive than they were before. Rather, I can just feel constant movement with the occasional kick.  

We finally have picked a girl's name so I think that we are set in the name department.  We certainly could change our minds over the next four month or once we see the baby but I'm happy to have narrowed down our selections.  

I can no longer fit in any regular pants but I can still wear some of my regular t-shirts.  I'm wearing maternity clothes on a daily basis and was pleased to receive some new maternity clothes for Christmas.  I'm finding it increasingly difficult to bend over to tie my shoes as my belly really gets in the way - I suspect that this will only get worse!

We have begun looking into strollers and other items for the baby's room.  We continue to hear from friends who are willing to pass on some of their baby stuff to us.  I feel that I am more mentally ready to start thinking about getting a space ready for the baby so the timing is good.  

Everything was fine during my last doctor's check-up.  The baby is growing well and is within a normal size range.  We are starting to think about which prenatal class to attend - there are two choices in the Bow Valley.  One is through the Health Region and one is through some of the local doulas.  I'm currently polling my other mothering friends to get their feedback on which class their preferred but I'm leaning towards the health region class.  We will make a decision about that this week.